BEIJING: China’s consumer inflation rose 1.0% in March from a year earlier, official data showed on Friday, easing from February’s 1.3% increase as spending cooled after the Lunar New Year holiday period. On a month-on-month basis, the consumer price index fell 0.7%, reversing February’s 1.0% rise. For the first quarter, consumer prices were up 0.9% from a year…
TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average fell on Thursday as investors pulled back after a powerful relief rally, with renewed concern over Middle East tensions and higher oil prices prompting a more defensive tone across the Tokyo market. The Nikkei 225 closed down 0.73% at 55,895.32, while the broader Topix lost 0.9% to 3,741.47. The retreat ended a four-session…
ISLAMABAD: Gold prices held steady on Thursday as investors weighed a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, preparations for talks in Islamabad and a fresh round of U.S. inflation data that could shape the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates. The metal stayed range-bound after a volatile week in which easing fears over a wider regional conflict competed with renewed…
TOKYO: Japan posted a current account surplus of 3.93 trillion yen, or about $24.8 billion, in February, as strong returns on overseas investments helped offset softer trade-related gains and a continued shortfall in services. Preliminary balance of payments data released by the Ministry of Finance showed the surplus was nearly unchanged from a year earlier, edging down…
BEIJING: China’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $3.3421 trillion at the end of March, official data showed on April 7, as a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker prices for major global financial assets weighed on the value of the country’s reserve holdings. The March total was down $85.7 billion, or 2.5%, from the end of February, reversing the…
MANILA: The Asian Development Bank has launched a new multi-partner trust fund with about $25 million in initial backing to accelerate preparation of cross-border energy and transmission projects in Southeast Asia. The new vehicle, called the Regional Connectivity Fund for Energy in Southeast Asia, is aimed at advancing the ASEAN Power Grid, the regional bloc’s flagship…
Travel
ABU DHABI: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will open its latest expansion to visitors on April 4, adding a new phase to the waterpark as Miral expands the site on Yas Island. The company said the opening will introduce 11 new slides and attractions, including headline thrill rides and new leisure features, in the latest development at…
SHARJAH: Air Arabia said it will expand its European network with a new daily, non-stop route between Sharjah International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, with flights scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. The carrier said the service will provide direct connections between Sharjah, its main hub, and Italy’s capital, adding another option for travelers moving between the…
SHARJAH: Air Arabia said it will expand its European network with a new daily, non-stop route between Sharjah International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport, with flights scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. The carrier said the service will provide direct connections between Sharjah, its main hub, and Italy’s capital, adding another option for travelers moving between the…
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways carried 2.2 million passengers in January 2026, the Abu Dhabi based airline said in its monthly traffic update, reporting a 29% increase from 1.7 million passengers in January 2025. The carrier also reported a passenger load factor of 89.9% for the month, compared with 89.1% a year earlier, reflecting continued high seat occupancy at…